The 2018 Australian Yamaha Finance Round of the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WSBK) is set to play host to the highly anticipated Opening Round of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). It’s all systems go for these two premier Championship events to combine and present a high class, thrilling motorcycle extravaganza at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, February 23-25. For 2018, the opening round of ASBK will also see the addition of the YMF R3 Cup to run alongside Australian YMI Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 joining the International program of World Superbike and World Supersport.

The addition of the YMF R3 Cup has given the opening round of the season a shake up and a new look, but one thing that won’t change is the bar to bar racing we see out on the track.

”With the continued success of the combined WSBK and ASBK formula kicking off both championships it made sense to expand a proven formula and open up the opportunity to yet another fantastic ASBK class,” explained Motorcycling Australia Operations Director Martin Port.

“The addition of the YMF R3 Cup completes the pathway for young and fresh talent to shine on an international stage. This could only have been achieved with the full support and vision of Phillip Island Operations (PIO) Managing Director Fergus Cameron.”

“The 2017 season opener resulted in the biggest grid numbers across the Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 classes have been seen in over a decade. It also provided some of the most competitive racing. 2018 promises to an even bigger year!”

"PI SBK are delighted with the announcement of the Support Classes for the Yamaha Finance round of the 2018 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship February 23 -25. The support class racing has delivered some absolutely thrilling racing in the past few years and we expect this to continue in 2018 from the Aussie Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300 and now the YMF R3 Cup guys and girls. Kicking off Round 1 of the ASBK championship provides a great synergy with the world series and has all the riders at the top of their game keen to impress. The addition of the YMF R3 Cup is a great way to support the development of the sport in Australia and we can’t wait to see it all come together next February.” It's all adding up to a spectacular round of on-track bike action between the four ASBK classes competing at the Round 1 – WSBK at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

For further information about the ASBK, please visit the official ASBK website and be sure to be kept in the loop by liking and following the ASBK Facebook page and @asbk on Instagram.